Cape Town - The Hawks’ investigation into the “brown envelope” scandal involving ex-premier Ebrahim Rasool allegedly paying former Cape Argus journalists to write stories favouring him, cannot be finalised due to the “unwillingness of material witnesses to provide affidavits”, says Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
In response to a parliamentary question by DA MP Debbie Schafer on the status of the investigation, Mthethwa said despite the unwillingness to co-operate, the case was still under investigation.
“The inquiry docket was discussed with the prosecutor and the unwillingness of material witnesses to submit affidavits. “The inquiry was returned with a request to submit a detailed investigative report by the investigating officer.”
This latest information comes three months after Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said the unit was no longer investigating the case.
“There can only be a case if individuals are charged. No one has been charged, thus I cannot confirm that there is an investigation under way. However, if more evidence becomes available, an investigation like this could be re-opened,” Ramaloko said at the time. He could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
The initial investigation was prompted by an affidavit submitted to the NPA in 2010 by former Cape Argus journalist Ashley Smith, in which he owned up to allegations that he secretly served as an embedded spin doctor toRasool while working as a political reporter. In exchange, he requested indemnity against criminal charges.
Smith confirmed under oath that he and former Cape Argus political editor Joseph Aranes used their positions to assist Rasool’s campaign against political rivals, and that they received money from a public relations company that obtained provincial government contracts.
Aranes denied the allegations.